The Board of Study was created within SUNY Brockport's scientific, mathematics and education faculties to work for the improvement of science and mathematics teaching, especially at the elementary and secondary school levels. Its intent is to supplement departmental efforts, and to carry out functions and programs that are not within the interest of a single department nor appropriately administered through one department.

Subject matter courses emphasizing the fundamental principles of the sciences and mathematics are scheduled regularly by the Board of Study for prospective elementary school teachers. Advisement services are also available.

Natural Science Courses

NAS 273 Investigation in the Physical Sciences (A,L). Corequisites: ENL 112 and QNT 111. Provides a study of fundamental aspects of physics and chemistry using processes commonly employed by scientists to probe nature. Gives particular attention to those areas of physical science from which elementary school science topics are drawn. Required for candidates for certification in elementary education unless waived by the Department Education requirements. A legend for the letters and numbers used in course listings is given below. An example of a course listing follows:

NAS 371 Investigations in the Biological Sciences (A). Provides an activity-oriented investigation of environmental concepts and problems. Provides a basic ecological background for students with no previous experience in the area. 3 Cr.

NAS 372 Investigation in the Earth Sciences (A). Provides students with a variety of first-hand experiences relating to rocks, water, air, sunlight, and other aspects of the earth sciences. Emphasizes observation, experimentation, and other fundamental processes of science, especially with simple and homemade equipment. 3 Cr.

NAS 373 Investigations in the Physical Sciences (A). Studies the fundamental aspects of physics and chemistry by processes and procedures commonly employed by scientists to probe nature. Gives particular attention to those areas of physical science from which elementary science topics are drawn. 3 Cr.

NAS 486 Lab Science Safety (A). Prerequisites: Senior status, and an academic major in one of the natural sciences. Required for students in Secondary Science Certification programs. Describes lab teaching practices for students pursuing certification to teach science courses. Emphasizes lab hazard potential, especially when working with chemicals in biology, earth science/geology, physics and chemistry. Includes three hours of lecture/lab per week. 3 Cr.